First Base
The starting spot at first base is wide open, but there are multiple options to take over the role. Senior Derek Geisinger and sophomore Stuart Smith headline the battle. Senior Richie Escalera is a third option, but may also utilize a medical redshirt due to a foot injury.

Geisinger saw action in 33 games last year, starting 23, primarily at first base. He hit an even .200 (15-for-75) with two doubles and two home runs.

Smith spent most of his rookie season as the Roadrunners' left fielder or designated hitter, batting .264 with 11 extra base hits and 17 RBI's.

Second Base
Senior Brandon Boren will hold down the starting role at second base for the second consecutive season, according to Kernen.

“He has earned that spot and he's back better than last year,” said Kernen. “He has become a leader on this team, someone the guys look up to and respect. He is the face of the program.”

The Bakersfield native tied for the second best batting average in 2009, hitting at a .290 clip. He spent the majority of the season at the Roadrunners' leadoff hitter and held a .379 on-base percentage. Tied for the team lead in at bats (193), Boren was second in runs scored (34) and led the way in hits (56).

Third Base
Senior JJ Henry and sophomore Martin Medina are the lead prospects to hold down the fort at third base. However, with Kernen's plan to increase Medina's role as a pitcher and catcher, he hopes to have Henry carry his hot finish from last season into 2010.

Henry started 11 for CSUB's final 16 games, going 15-for-45 with nine runs and six RBI's during that stretch. He finished the season tied for second in batting average (.290) with 18 hits in 62 at bats, scored 10 runs and drove in eight.

“”JJ did a great job last year and was the most improved guy during the second half of the season.” said Kernen. “He made one of the biggest moves forward and he is going to get his shot at third.”

Medina was the lone Roadrunner to play, and start, in all 50 games in 2009. The utility-man spent the majority of his time at third base, but also saw action on the mound second base, first base and as a designated hitter. He hit .285, tied the team lead with 193 at bats, was second in hits (55) and led the way with 13 doubles, four triples, eight home runs and 40 RBI's.

Shortstop
Kyle Richardson returns after a successful transition from second base to shortstop during his first season in a Roadrunner uniform. The left-handed batting senior led the Roadrunners with a .298 average, collecting 54 hits in 161 at bats. He also had 16 extra base hits, including five home runs, for the second highest slugging percentage on the team (.448).

Also seeking time at short, as well as second and third base, is sophomore Eric Sanchez. He held a limited role as a freshman, appearing in 29 games and collecting 14 hits in 64 at bats for a .219 average.

Stay tuned tomorrow when we take a look at the outfield positions on the 2010 CSUB roster.